Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common Name: Autumn Crocus

Native to southern Europe to central Asia, these eight species of dwarf bulbs bear charming, crocus-like flowers in autumn through to spring. Suitable for rock gardens and the front of warm borders, they can also be grown in pans in an alpine house or bulb frame.

Species

S. colchiciflora, zone 5, has yellow, stemless, fragrant flowers which bloom in autumn, before the leaves appear.

S. lutea, zone 7, from the Mediterranean, is the most commonly grown species. The buttercup yellow flowers are produced in late autumn, at the same time as the glossy, strap-shaped leaves. This is thought to be the lily-of-the-field referred to in the Bible.

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in late summer, 15 cm (6 in) deep, in well-drained soil in a sunny position. When growing in pans, use a gritty, soil-based potting compost, which should be kept dry during the summer dormancy period. Propagate from offsets when dormant, or from seed when ripe.

Climate

These bulbs prefer areas with hot, dry summers, followed by cool to cold winters.